Beads?A Sign of the Times?

When you hear the word "beads," do you immediately think of jewelry? Or do you think of Rosary beads or some other non-jewelry use of beads-beaded dresses, headbands, belts? Perhaps you think of a country and western outfit, a studded, head-to-toe piece of jewelry.

The first thought that enters your mind when you hear the word "beads" may date you and give away your age faster than physical attributes. If you're a product of the 50's, your mind may wander to pop beads, those plastic pull apart, pop together baubles that have risen in value from pennies to $20, $30 or more. If you're a product of the 60's, you may think of "love beads," which complemented the long-haired, unkempt look, or your mind may wander to the long strands of beads that once adorned inside doorways in Haight Ashbury with sounds of The Mamas and the Papas blaring in the background. Thanks to television, it's difficult to forget the beaded belts of the 70s.

From Ancient Trade to Modern Computer Applications

Beads predate the mid-20th century by eons. Remember the abacus? Of course, you can't actually remember back 2000 years unless you possess powers unknown to this author, but you can remember learning about the abacus in school. In Europe, Venetian glass beads and German metal beads served as currency in trade as early as the 16th century. Beads also played a central role in Native American jewelry.

Bohemia (aptly named) was the center of the European bead trade from as far back as the Middle Ages. Through the twists and turns of history, bead making moved to Bavaria and now, has once again found its home in the Chezk Republic, in the Bohemia area, home of Swarovski Austrian crystals.

In 1990, Native American traditional beadwork intersected with computer sciences. Several college campuses introduced a pilot program in which beadwork shaped the foundation for courses AutoCad and other design program courses for Native American students. The popularity and applicability of these courses continues today.

Modern Beads

Now that we've strolled down memory lane and taken a quick look at vintage beads, beads no longer in production, where do beads fit into today's jewelry scene? They're everywhere you look from casual chokers and necklaces to fine Swarovski Austrian crystal designs.

Think beyond a single strand of beads. Start by thinking of a single strand of beads from which a pendant dangles. From there, think pins-yes, pins adorned with beads, beaded bracelets, barrettes, earrings, etc. In fact, think beyond jewelry to purses and other accessories. If you look closely at your surroundings, you'll find beads everywhere.

The Many Faces of Beads

Another thing that you might rethink is the composition and shape of beads. Today's beads come in a myriad of shapes and materials, with Austrian crystal topping the list. Today's look du jour of transparent, translucent and iridescent beads don the bodies of the rich and famous along with everyday mortals. Venetian glass beads often encapsulate swirls within the beads for a unique, timeless quality.

The latest in fashion trends includes little beaded silk purses. While you wouldn't want to cover yourself in head-to-toe beads unless you're auditioning for a singing gig in Nashville, a silk beaded purse with a complementary beaded necklace turns an ordinary evening outfit into a walking work of art.

Open your eyes and look for one-of-a-kind, handmade beaded jewelry. It's everywhere, and it's calling your name.

M J Plaster is a successful author who provides information on shopping online for beads and jewelry in general. M J Plaster has been a commercial freelance writer for almost two decades, most recently specializing in home and garden, the low-carb lifestyle, investing, and anything that defines la dolce vita.

In The News:


pen paper and inkwell


cat break through


Follow Your Passion

The key to a successful life lies in following your... Read More

Blushing

Blushing can be a curse. Blushers experience a range of... Read More

You Cant Have An Intelligent Conversation With Everyone

Intelligent conversation is one of life's pleasures. I love nothing... Read More

How to Get Rich

Got your attention, didn't I? I figured that title would... Read More

How To Make Your Dreams Come True

Editors Note: Family Circle Interview (2003) with Dr. Wayne Dyer:Could... Read More

You?re Right to an Abundant Life

We are all part of the universe. The universe is... Read More

The Magic of Mike

The woman stood over the stove stirring a pot of... Read More

The Metrosexual Male vs. The Cowboy - What Do Women Want?

He always looks perfectly put together. He can be in... Read More

Law-of-Attraction Article: Wake Up and Create Something

It's time for the "mainstream" to WAKE UP. The alarm... Read More

Successful Living: 9 Universal Laws

1. The Law of BalanceI got an email from a... Read More

Are You The Worlds Expert On Yourself?

Congratulations! You are the world's expert.That's right: you are the... Read More

Prosperity on Purpose for a Purpose

Whilst everyone seems hell bent on becoming "wealthy" at all... Read More

Telling Your Story of Success

We are often asked to tell our life-story. I wasn't... Read More

Mind Your Mind

Three Secrets to Effective Affirmations:1 Drive your Physiology - by... Read More

Would You Rather Be Wealthy?

Would you rather be wealthy or poverty-stricken? Not a difficult... Read More

If Something Shows Up 3 Times, Is That a Sign That Its Right for Me?

Have you heard yourself or others say: "This has shown... Read More

How To Influence People

Most of your success in life will come from your... Read More

The Centre of Creative Powers!

Evolution is nothing but seeking with clarity, demanding clarity at... Read More

To Be A Cut Above The Rest!

Mannerisms and personality traits go a long way in making... Read More

How to Get that It Factor Happening

Sitting here today in sunny Queensland Australia, I'm reflecting on... Read More

Mental, Emotional and Physical Prosperity

To create true, lasting prosperity, almost any guru can tell... Read More

Wise Hericlitus

"You cannot step into the same river twice"Hericlitus spoke those... Read More

Will You Be Part of the Bigger Picture?

With all the media attention you've probably become aware that... Read More

The Universal Laws Of Attraction

You know it's funny how some people just seem to... Read More

Ten Tips For Setting (And Keeping) Life Changing Resolutions

It's time for that annual ritual of making (and breaking)... Read More

5 Powerful Steps To Unleashing Your Creative Self

There is a thread of certainty that runs through many... Read More

Do I Need to Visualize to Manifest my Desires?

You've heard me talk in previous articles about Deliberate attraction.... Read More

Manifesting Money

You are a money magnet. Money is flowing to you... Read More

5 Simple Ways To Overcome Shyness

Shyness is nothing to be ashamed of and you can... Read More

Electrical Deficiencies

Our feelings are perceived by means of our sensors, our... Read More

The Big Secret

"Within you is the power to change your life"Lately I've... Read More

The Secret Weapon For Gaining Wealth

Recently a friend of mine was talking about all the... Read More

Mirror, Mirror

The Concept of Beauty"Mirror Mirror on the Wall, who's the... Read More